What I learned from being turned down after interview

So I attended an interview for a medical scribe position and was turned down a few weeks back. I would like to share some information on this exciting job, why I was turned down, and how I used what I learned to succeed in something else.

A medical scribe is a person who closely follows a doctor and writes down everything the doctor says. This job is very established in the US and is becoming more accepted in Canada. Scribing is a demanding job because shifts can be up to 12 hours, but provides excellent insight into working in the hospital. There is no pre-requisite to becoming a medical scribe, as the employing agencies give scribes all necessary training.

I was attracted to this position for its large amount of clinical exposure. The skills tested at the interview include typing speed and dictation. Applicants were also asked to memorize a list of standard medical terminology.

I had gotten off my lab work later than I had planned, so I rushed directly to the interview at the Jewish Hospital. To not be late, I ran the 200m from the metro station to the Hospital. I was in jeans and sneakers (classic lab dress) and sweating profusely. Unfortunately, carrying yourself professionally is a large part of scribing, and I did not meet those standards on the interview day. I had no issues with typing and memorizing words.

From memorizing that list of words, I learned some useful words, such as dosing intervals (qd – quotidian or every day, bid – bidaily, q2h – every 2 hours, p.o. – by mouth) and symptoms (rhonchi, hemoptysis, hematuria). I had two shadowing opportunities since then; I was able to pick up these words during the conversations between the physicians, nurses, and patients.

Not getting this position was no big deal. I walked away with more experience and knowledge, and I was able to apply the knowledge to other activities that are also important to me.

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